Ingredients
Caramelized Onions
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 extremely large onion (peeled and thinly sliced; about 5 cups sliced)
- 1/4 cup water (slightly more or less as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Burgers
- 1 1/4 pounds ground chuck (80/20 or 85/15 ground beef work well for burgers)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Assembly
- 4 good-quality buns (split and toasted)
- 4 ounces sliced Jarlsberg cheese (or any Swiss cheese you like)
- 2 cups fresh arugula
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Add the butter to a large skillet and melt over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden brown, about 30 minutes. If the onions begin to stick or look like they might burn, add a splash of water and/or lower the heat to prevent burning. Once caramelized, stir in the salt and balsamic vinegar and cook for another minute, scraping up all the browned bits. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Burger Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently using your hands just until combined. Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is clean and oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Burgers: Place the patties on the grill and cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side, depending on desired doneness. The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F for safety. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of Jarlsberg cheese and close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
- Toast the Buns: If desired, open the buns and place them cut-side-down on the grill for about 20 seconds until lightly toasted and marked with grill lines.
- Assemble and Serve: Place each burger patty on a toasted bun, top with a generous portion of the caramelized onions and fresh arugula, then cover with the top bun. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Cooking onions low and slow is key to proper caramelization without burning.
- Add water sparingly to prevent the onions from sticking and burning.
- Choose ground beef with a fat content of 15-20% for juicy burgers.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure burgers reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
- If Jarlsberg cheese is unavailable, any Swiss-style cheese can be substituted.
- For additional flavor, you can add a little smoked paprika or chili powder to the burger seasoning.
- Arugula adds a peppery fresh element but can be substituted with lettuce or spinach if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American